Dry Mouth? Could Be Your Meds

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Dry mouth can cause difficulty chewing, eating, swallowing, and talking, and can increase the risk for tooth decay and mouth infections. To better understand the link between dry mouth and certain prescription medications in older adults, researchers examined the results of 52 related studies. Their analysis was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Turns out a number of common medications can cause dry mouth, including some used to treat anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, insomnia, and urinary incontinence. Medicines used to treat urinary incontinence (bladder control problems) are almost six times more likely to cause dry mouth than a placebo (inactive “dummy” pill).

If you’re experiencing dry mouth symptoms that may be related to your medication, talk to your health care provider. They may be able to adjust your dosage or change your medicine.